Modern devices have become crucial for our daily lives, so much so that we cannot help but reach for a gadget whenever we need to find something, learn, something, or talk to someone. Our mobile devices lead the way with the majority of people carrying a smartphone on them at all times. No matter where we go or what we do, we have a mobile phone close to us just in case. It is the ultimate companion since it allows us access to the virtual world which has been limitless for a long time.
In a world with billions of such devices, there needs to be a smart and optimal way of identifying them all. Identification of both people and belongings is important for numerous reasons, from legal and business rules to protecting the customers and brands. When it comes to mobile phones, every single device has a unique serial number, like any other item. However, there is another, more important string of numbers that each device has, the IMEI number.
It is important to know as much as possible about this string of numerals because it exists for a reason and it can help you a lot. In the article here we are going to give you all the necessary information about it and tell you everything you should know. Keep on reading and be sure to check out eimei24.com if you have a wish to find out even more about this.
What is It?
The acronym IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is used to identify a unique device that utilizes terrestrial cellular network in its operation. This network is what you use when calling people and using your cellular data to go online. Since this is the case, it also means that any other device that uses the internet in this sense (through a SIM card) like tablets and laptops, also have IMEI numbers.
Devices with dual SIM features have two IMEI numbers, since one is dedicated to each SIM spot. The number has 15 digits and it is seemingly random. It can be found on the inside of your phone or on the outside, depending on the brand and the model.
Know Where to Look
There are different ways through which you can check your phones IMEI number. For example, if own an Android device, all you have to do is dial *#06#. The number should appear on your screen after a few seconds. You can also go to the “About Device” section, then “Status” and finally “IMEI information” to access the number.
As mentioned, some phones have IMEI numbers printed on the back, usually on the lower part of the phone just above the charging port. It can also be found on the inside, under the removable back cover. It is easy to spot it as soon as you open the device. Since new models cannot be opened like this, your flagship phone probably has it printed.
Lastly, if for some reason you experience any issue with these methods, you can always get the packaging of the phone and read it off the box. There is always a sticker somewhere on the box with all the necessary numbers. Whatever you end up doing to learn the IMEI, you should also save it somewhere else for future reference.
Similarly to Android devices, Apple products like iPhones and iPads also give you multiple ways of finding it. You can either find it right next to the serial number printed on the phone and on the box, or go to “Settings” and then “General” Finally, tap the “About” option.
Why Do They Exist?
The main purpose of the IMEI number, except identifying between the numerous other phones just like yours, is to help you in case of theft. There are certain contingencies in case a customer loses or has their phone stolen. If it is possible to identify it universally, it means that the carrier can block its signal or track the phone. Of course, it will not mean that you will get your device back, but it certainly helps. In certain scenarios, the SIM card cannot even be changed meaning the thief cannot keep the phone and use it as their own. The IMEI number itself is hard-coded into the hardware of the device so it is a part of it, so changing and hacking into it is not possible. The code can even be blacklisted and locked out of the network, rendering the phone useless and the thief’s efforts pointless.
What Does It Mean?
Okay, so the numbers have a legitimate way to exist and they are actually quite useful for the customers during sticky situations. However, what do they mean and is there some kind of a deeper meaning behind the individual digits? Well, you can tell where your phone comes from based on the 7th and 8th digit of the 15-digit number. Depending on the country of origin, the phones greatly vary in quality.
For example, 00 means the phone is from the original, main factory of the brand so the quality is the best of all. 01, 10, 70, and 91 mean Finland and excellent quality. 02 is either India or United Arab Emirates, and OK quality. 03 and 04 are Canada and the quality is almost as good as original factories. 03 and 30 are Korea and China and good quality. 04 and 40 are China or Hong Kong, good quality as well. 05 and 50 are either Brazil, Finland, or USA, and again, good quality. Germany has made phones with 07, 08, 80, and 20, and the quality is fair. The worst case scenario is 13, Azerbaijan, where the quality is very bad. 41 and 44 are both OK, so is 18 and 09, and they are made in UK, Singapore, and India, respectively. Finally, 71 is Malaysia and it is bad.
These are just the general guidelines and there can always be exceptions to individual devices. Some may inexplicably break down or stop working even though they are top quality, while some of the worst quality devices can last you years.